Influence is a particularly tricky thing to understand. The right word form the right person, a nod when a wink would do, a thank you with just the wrong tone, the flow of opportunity are all examples of influence in action. Whether or not there should be, there is no correlation between merit and influence.

That some people are more influential than others is a given. Exactly how influential they are and what that means is a more challenging question. One of this week’s articles suggests that Influence is best understood from the perspective of the influenced. I think that means that everyone has their own internal Top Influencer list.

Many of the critiques in these articles are answered in part by the Traakr algorithm. (That’s what we use to make the Top Influencer lists). Traakr uses followers as a component of reach and couples it with cross reference behavior, inbound links and relevance to the topic at hand.

Influence will remain a potent conversation in the coming years. As we try to understand, model and predict organizational and individual behavior, influence will come to be understood as a key management tool. You might think of influence as the inherent environmental bias towards decisions. Influencers individually are the chorus of voices that move towards that predisposition.

Of course, that’s just one aspect.

6 Impossible Things
The right idea at the right time can generate viral influence beyond the imaginings of the opiner. This scientists notes that science is “a creative enterprise that has this in common with all other creative enterprises — you do it not because it provides you with security and a stable career ladder, but because you can’t bring yourself to do anything else.”

Printing Social Currency: Influence vs Intentions“The latest twist in the new currency movement is the idea that on-line influence can be used to support a currency. There is no shortage of noble leaders aspiring to “define the standard” in their own image as a service to the lesser masses who seek their respective place in the great new economic void. PeerIndex and Klout are the two main players that promote a social score based on influence, ostensibly to mimic the credit score upon which all currency depends.”

Your Followers Are No Measure of Your Influence
“Since Malcolm Gladwell began popularizing his “Tipping Point” theory 14 years ago, marketers have fantasized about a world in which they can identify a small number of influential folks who can credibly, effectively and cheaply push product for them.” This Ad Age article debunks the notion that Twitter, in and of itself, generates any influence.

John Sumser

John Sumser is the founder, principal author and editor-in-chief of the HRExaminer Online Magazine. John explores the people, technology, ideas and careers of senior leaders in Human Resources and Human Capital.
John is the also principal of Two Color Hat where he routinely advises Human Resources, Recruiting Departments and Talent Management teams with product analysis, market segmentation, positioning, strategy and branding guidance.

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